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No compulsory military service, no medical examinations, no groping of the testicles – the ‘School Strike Against Compulsory Military Service’ initiative had called for nationwide protests today. Meanwhile, a “sturdy to overweight” robber has landed himself on the police’s wanted list after unauthorisedly reaching into someone else’s handbag. And: When will Leipzig’s population hit 700,000? The LZ summarises the key events in Leipzig and beyond on Friday, 25 September 2026.
School strike against compulsory military service
In around 100 German cities today, a total of over 45,000 young people demonstrated against the reintroduction of compulsory military service and the associated measures, such as medical examinations. This was reported by the ‘School Strike Against Compulsory Military Service’ initiative, which organised these rallies. According to police figures, Berlin saw the largest turnout, with 2,400 people. School pupils also took to the streets in Leipzig, where the number is estimated at between 500 and 700.
On Friday morning, three feeder marches set off from the west, south and south-east of Leipzig towards Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, where a joint opening rally took place at midday. The procession then made its way along the inner city ring road and concluded its demonstration back at Leuschner-Platz. “Never, never, never again compulsory military service”, “Your wars without us”, “Merz to the front” and “Covenant, piss off!” were just some of the slogans the young people displayed in public.
They reject compulsory questionnaires, fines, conscription examinations and the establishment of conscription centres, as well as the possible integration of the Federal Voluntary Service into military service. Furthermore, the young people reject 180 days’ service in the Bundeswehr. Among other things, they criticised recruitment advertising, youth officers in schools and financial incentives to recruit young people. They also argued that compulsory military service could entail a long-term commitment as a reservist.
Furthermore, they speak out against participation in wars. The young people do not want to fight against people from other countries and see the danger of being deployed to serve military interests, whilst companies such as Rheinmetall profit from rearmament. They also criticise the aim of developing Germany and the Bundeswehr into a leading military power in Europe. In their view, the Bundeswehr is being deployed to secure trade routes and spheres of influence.
The military build-up is also linked to cuts in education, health and social services, as well as poor career prospects for young people. They also reject compulsory service as a substitute for conscription, as well as further service in the event of a defence emergency.
Handbag snatcher wanted
Unaware of any danger, a 50-year-old woman alighted from a tram on line 16 at the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek stop yesterday afternoon. But shortly afterwards, she was attacked by an unknown man who snatched her handbag from her shoulder from behind. Although the woman fought back against the attacker, she was unable to prevent him from taking the bag and fleeing with it.
He ran towards Straße des 18. Oktober, where a black mid-range car – similar to a VW Golf – was waiting. There, he got in on the passenger side, whereupon the car drove off. The 50-year-old victim had fallen to the ground during the robbery and sustained minor injuries as a result. The dark blue, medium-sized handbag snatched from her contained a large amount of cash. The value of the stolen goods amounts to several thousand euros.
The Leipzig Police Headquarters has today published a description of the attacker. According to this, he is a man aged between 40 and 45 with black hair, who is between 1.65 and 1.70 metres tall. He is of a stocky to heavy build and was wearing a black jacket at the time of the incident. The Criminal Investigation Department on Dimitroffstraße is asking witnesses to the robbery to come forward with any relevant information.
Leipzig forecast: more than 700,000 residents by 2045?
Leipzig continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate than between 2010 and 2020. According to the 2026 population forecast by the Office for Statistics and Elections, the population could rise to between 651,700 and 706,500 by 2045, depending on future trends. The main scenario forecasts a population of 677,700. This would represent a seven per cent increase compared with 2025. In the upper-range scenario, Leipzig would thus exceed the 700,000 mark. The forecast is reviewed annually to update its assumptions.
The forecast is intended to serve as a basis for future planning, including in the areas of transport, energy and water supply, schools, nurseries, social housing, and green spaces and open spaces. At the same time, Leipzig’s population is likely to age. In the main scenario, the average age is expected to rise from the current 42.4 to 44 years by 2045. In all three scenarios, the age structure is shifting towards older age groups.
The projection covers the city as a whole. Detailed analyses for the 63 individual districts and 14 localities are due to be published shortly. The 2023 population projection had already highlighted differing trends across the city’s districts. According to the city, no other data on potential population trends for Leipzig at a similarly local level is available, either from official bodies or private-sector institutions.
What the LZ reported on today:
2027 mayoral election in Leipzig: Getu Abraham intends to stand as an independent candidate
Berlin pulls the plug on the Olympics: Leipzig cancels public viewing
Democracy… Shut up! – A commentary from Leipzig-Connewitz
Kicking off on 3 October: The BUND Leipzig Harvest Festival begins a new season
What else was important:
The new fuel rebate has been finalised. The Bundestag approved it today by 434 votes to 128. Shortly afterwards, the Bundesrat also gave it the green light. From 1 October until the end of the year, the energy tax on diesel and petrol will therefore be reduced by 17 cents gross per litre.
Around 1.3 million households in Germany were receiving housing benefit at the end of last year. This represents an increase of around 90,000 households – a rise of 7.2 per cent compared with the end of 2024. Those most affected are primarily single pensioners and families.
Several hundred dead whale calves have washed up on the south coast of Argentina in recent weeks. A research institute in the country has now identified the bacterial skin infection erysipelas as the likely cause. It is believed that this is due to a natural cause.
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